FRENCH GILT BRASS EXTREME ROCOCO CASED CARRIAGE CLOCK

A FINE FRENCH GILT BRASS EXTREME ROCOCO CASED CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH PUSH-BUTTON REPEATJULES, PARIS, CIRCA 1840The rectangular eight-day two train bell striking movement with typical 'Jules' type platform lever escapement regulated by helical sprung bimetallic balance incorporating screws, wedge-shaped timing weights and pivoting within a circular sub-carriage, the backplate signed JULES A PARIS across the lower margin, the rectangular white Roman numeral enamel dial with pierced blued steel trefoil hands and signed Jules, Paris to lower margin, the elaborate case with hinged triple C-scroll handle above bevelled top glass to the ogee outline upstand applied with crest modelled as a pair of reclining putti flanking a globe with plunger for the repeat function between, above generous scrolling angles applied with further putti and terminating in an elaborate scallop shell centred scroll panel to apron flanked by supports finely modelled as a mermaid and her companion, the sides with conforming scrolls bordering cartouche-shaped glazed insert, the rear matching the front but with elaborated scroll cast door with hinged clasp.20cm high with handle down, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 12cm (4.75ins) deep.An almost identical escapement to the one fitted to the current lot is illustrated in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their History and Development on page 73 (plate II/47).

Allix/Bonnert do not list working dates for Jules however similarities between this escapement and those used by Bolvillier are noted suggesting a working date of around 1840.